North Port, FL Automobile Repair

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Tips & Advice

Can struts be replaced by shocks?

No, struts cannot be replaced by shocks. Though these parts both work to enhance a vehicle's ride quality, they are not interchangeable. Each wheel will have either a shock or strut, but never both. A vehicle might have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear, so it's possible for a single vehicle to have both.

Do all cars have shocks and struts?

No, not all cars have shocks and struts. Some vehicles are equipped solely with struts, while others have just shocks. Shocks support the car's suspension, while struts are an integral part of a vehicle's suspension assembly. Both these parts work to improve the way a vehicle travels over bumps and rough road surfaces.

What are the signs that a car's shocks and struts need to be changed?

There are certain visual signs that indicate a car's shocks and struts need to be changed. If there are leaks from the struts and shocks, or if they look dented or damaged, repair is necessary. Diminished handling--if the car has a bumpy ride quality or stiff steering response--can also mean it's time to change the shocks and struts.

How long do shocks and struts usually last on a car?

Shocks and struts can last anywhere from 50,000-100,000 miles or more. If you have rough driving habits, this will significantly shorten the life of these parts. If the shocks or struts begin to leak or if they are broken or damaged, replace them immediately. Ideally, struts should be replaced in pairs.

When should shocks and struts be changed?

Shocks and struts should be changed if your car displays instability when braking or poor steering response, which could indicate a problem that calls for shock and strut replacement. Excessive vehicle bounce, uneven tire wear, and leaks from the shock or strut body are also signs that your shocks and struts might need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?

The total cost of replacing shocks and struts can range from $500-$600 or more, including parts and labor. The parts can cost $200-$250, and labor can cost $300-$400. Before replacing struts and shocks, perform a full inspection of the vehicle's steering and suspension to see if the damaged struts and shocks have caused any other problems in the vehicle.

What are shocks and struts?

Shocks and struts are parts that influence a car's ride quality. Shocks prevent the car from bouncing on uneven road surfaces. They can also reduce the rate of roll, brake dive, and acceleration squat. Struts are dampers that are a key part of the car's suspension system. Like shocks, they work to improve ride quality, but they also provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension.

What are some car repair scams?

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill. The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done so you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

What should I do in the winter for my car?

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

What should I do in the spring and summer for my car?

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

Took my 2004 Ford Focus in for major a/c repairs. Not only was Swansons the cheapest from multiple quotes they also included a lifetime warranty. I was very surprised when they called the same day I dropped the car off to tell me it was finished. The a/c now blows very cold and works perfect. I will take all my future auto repairs to Swansons Auto Repair & I Very Highly Recommend them.

I've been going to Nicks Auto for 6 years, very honest and the cheapest prices around. Kirk is the son and does a good job at running things and getting your car finished in a timely manner. They will even fix things that aren't on the list. My front panel column was blown and they replaced the fuse without a charge and I was there for a drive shaft issue. I love these guys and would recommend anyone to trust them with your car you're in good hands.

I work at the Walmart auto care center but came here because we do not do AC checks at work. While I was waiting (2hrs) a couple almost got charged $70 for a new tire I asked their tire size and sent them to Walmart they said they saved $30. Another woman came in for them to fix their tire and they told her a 2 hour wait when that was my wait time and no new cars had been in after me. They charge over $20 to put a patch in it. I wanted so bad to tell her just go to Walmart where they charge about $10 to put a patch/plug in. This place is way over priced and ripping people off. Plus a 2 hour wait that never changes is not ok. They are avoiding work.

I recently went in for an alignment at a major car repair chain and was told that the bushings on my left front lower control arm were bad, and the entire assembly would need to be replaced with a price tag of over $1200. Additionally the right side would be close behind and would need to be replaced soon as well.I'd done some business with Swanson's in the past so I decided to take it there for a second opinion. Josh, one of Swanson's employees, greeted me and proceeded to treat me like a friend instead of just a paycheck. He looked at my car and told me that just the bushings were bad, and that BOTH sides could be replaced (parts and labor, out the door) for under $400.He let me drop the car off for the day while I was at work, and even gave me his personal cell number so I could pick the car up after hours since I had to work late.If you want a mechanic you can trust, I would highly recommend Swansons.

I have found them the most professional in the area. I took my car to another leading shop in North Port because of a front end shimmy. The other shop in two visits cost me over $600 with no good result. Went to Christian Brothers and they immediately found my front tire had tread separation - very dangerous. They changed the tire and the problem resolved. The other shop could have killed me.

Dropped my 2004 Trail Blazer off for a simple oil change. Two hours later I received a call telling me it was completed. I returned to Tuffy, paid my bill and went to check the oil level. I opened the hood and oil was splattered everywhere! No attempt was made by the oil jockey to even run a rag around the spill. Pools of oil were everywhere, the top of the radiator, pooled on the valve cover, even on the air breather cover! Splattered from the cooling fan to the firewall! The oil level was a half quart low. I was really livid, too livid to address this abuse with the Manager who had a careless attitude from my arrival. I will NEVER return, ever. Please take my warning.

BEWARE OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS NORTH PORT PARTS PRICING!After hitting road debris that damaged the under body protective panel and gas tank I took my VW Passat to Christian Brothers for repair. When I was contacted with an estimate I only asked one question- Was the price quoted for parts and labor competitive. I was assured it was. After I returned home I received a follow up call about the repair. Again I questioned the parts pricing. I called a local Volkswagen Dealer to check prices. The parts from Christian Brothers were marked up 35% OVER RETAIL LIST PRICES. Christian Brothers thinks this is competitive!? I feel this type of markup is unethical. Check dealer prices before they repair your vehicle. It would have saved me $ 356.

My experience with Christian Brothers has been exceptional. I go to them for both of my vehicles and feel very confident in them doing it right. I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality work done.

My ac wasnt working and the car was over heating. They quoted $1700 to fix it and listed a bunch of stuff that didnt even have anything to do with the ac. Got a second opinion and at a pkace by my job and turns out it was just the fan. Cost $289 to have fixed. This place is a ripoff

Eric Swanson is a rude and unprofessional individual. He sold me a product that has overspray. He tried to claim that I did it. He even tried to bribe me with $50 to remove any negative post I gave him.

Did You Know?

Finding An Auto Repair Professional

There are more than 700,000 auto service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Finding the right one to repair a dent in your car door or fix an engine that won't start can be overwhelming, especially when it's an emergency. Review a few important facts about auto repair professionals and what you can do to get the best possible mechanic working on your vehicle's issues for a fair price.

Looking For Reliability
Unlike home repair services that evaluate a property, meet with homeowners and have time to prepare before their physical work begins, auto repair businesses are often asked to make fixes on the spot. If you come into a garage with a tire issue, the expectation is the mechanic will know how to correct that problem quickly.

That is why reliability is so vital when searching for a trusted auto repair shop. It may take going to several different mechanics before you find one you are truly comfortable with. Pose questions to this professional to find out what approach they will take to repair your car or what alternatives are available. Shopping around also gives you the best opportunity to find the cheapest rate or the fastest service, as some garages may be backed up with other vehicles that need repair first.

A recommended way to locate a trustworthy auto repair professional is to seek out customer reviews. Online sites offer honest opinions from real customers who have used a business. Read through this feedback to learn how a business operates and what you can expect if you were to take your vehicle there. Look for reviews about how quick maintenance was completed and if prices were fair. By learning what other people have said about a garage, you can gain a better idea if it's the right place to go when you have a car problem in need of fixing.

Understanding When There's An Issue

It can be difficult to know which automotive problems are serious enough to require expert assistance. A ripped seat cushion or broken radio don't involve safety and will not warrant enough of a problem that going into a garage is required. However, setbacks with brakes, lights and other parts that are vital to the safety of your car's driver and passengers, as well as others on the road, necessitate quick fixes. Many modern automobiles will notify drivers of an issue, in the form of a signal on the dashboard or a noise within the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if your vehicle does not appear to have any damage on the outside, it is generally recommended that you see a trusted auto repair professional. Internal damage may have occurred, or an important part may have been knocked out of place. Fixing these issues before driving much further can prevent further vehicle breakdowns in the future. In the case of a serious accident, a body shop can assess the problems and determine the best course of action for repairs, as well as evaluate how much they will cost.

Beyond that, regular checkups are recommended. Tires must be rotated, fluids needs to be replaced and the engine must be evaluated. After driving 25,000 miles, most auto dealers suggest having the vehicle checked out to ensure everything is running smoothly. Taking the car into the auto repair professional you trust will protect you from further problems down the road.

Doing Your Own Auto Repair

Not every type of auto repair work needs to be done by a certified mechanic. You can fix some of a vehicle's issues just by paying attention to how the automobile is running and having a basic understanding of auto repair. Look over the ways weather may impact your car and what preventative measures you can take to avoid having to take it into the shop. At the same time, be aware of mechanic scams that can impact your experience.

Preventing Trips To The Professional
Some fixes to your car can be done without paying a specialist. Issues like replacing oil and air filters are relatively simple, with instructions provided in the owner's manual on how to make these changes. The same goes for replacing broken windshield wipers or burnt-out headlights. Such issues should be repaired quickly to guarantee safety, but don't require a visit to a garage. By handling these types of tasks on your own, you'll gain a better understanding for how your car operates and save time and money.

Along with understanding how to fix manageable vehicle issues that may arise, taking preventative measures to avoid future problems is a valuable time saver. Many problem-solving best practices are related to the seasons. Your vehicle will be in different conditions in the winter than in the summer, meaning it requires a different type of preparation.

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures the vehicle will be exposed to, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check your tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

Avoiding Scams
There is a common worry among many people that auto repair professionals take advantage of the general public. Because so many people are unaware of how to fix the problems in their vehicle, they are nervous of being overcharged by mechanics or worried that the improper work is being done.

While the great majority of professionals in the industry are honest, hard-working people, a few bad apples can ruin everything. You should be extra careful when first visiting a mechanic to guarantee that the price you're charged and maintenance the vehicle receives are fair.

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you are in the shop and your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill.

The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done. That way, you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

By working closely with an auto repair professional and doing some of the tune-up work on your own, you will be less likely to fall for these scams. At the same time, you'll be able to drive out with a clean and healthy vehicle, thanks to the repairs made by a trained professional.